Replacing skin fittings and sea-cocks?

I always use Sikaflex between the hull and the skin fitting but just use PTFE tape on the threads. Have always found it possible to align the valves correctly without having to 'lock' the threads with Loctite or similar.
 
For some reason this type of spanner has disappeared off the shelves
http://www.rapidonline.com/Tools-Equipment/NWS-Adjustable-Lever-Wrench-34730

They have smooth jaws and generally longer jaws so often can get in tight spaces. I use two of these to adjust my stuffing box as the nuts are in a deep vee of the hull they were made in quite short overall lengths and jaws could be opened out up to 5 inches also the handles are slim so possible to slide a pipe on for leverage. Maybe they were a British design and we dont manufacture so much now but they are useful on large skin fittings especially if soft material.
 
nigelmercier said:
So are you saying that their advice about Loctite 275 is wrong also?

What about the sealant between the fitting and the hull?
Click to expand...

The user above who followed this advice has run into problems that might perhaps be predictable. Seems a strange choice as sealant for threaded components. Sikaflex or a hybrid alternative would appear to be the choice of many, with excellent service histories.
 
parbuckle said:
For some reason this type of spanner has disappeared off the shelves
http://www.rapidonline.com/Tools-Equipment/NWS-Adjustable-Lever-Wrench-34730

They have smooth jaws and generally longer jaws so often can get in tight spaces. I use two of these to adjust my stuffing box as the nuts are in a deep vee of the hull they were made in quite short overall lengths and jaws could be opened out up to 5 inches also the handles are slim so possible to slide a pipe on for leverage. Maybe they were a British design and we dont manufacture so much now but they are useful on large skin fittings especially if soft material.
Click to expand...

Or a chain wrench, handy for oil filters too (check the oil grade first :p)
 
vyv_cox said:
I have one that is always referred to as a 'King Dick'. They were only one manufacturer and I doubt very much that mine was made by them but the name has stuck. Invaluable sometimes and, as you say, perfect for the nuts on a stern gland.
Click to expand...

I would avoid serrated jaws unless trying to clamp a pipe as they can make a mess of nuts and the standard adjustable is fine though sometimes can be too bulky and the stubby jaws not good on large nuts .
 
vyv_cox said:
The user above who followed this advice has run into problems that might perhaps be predictable. Seems a strange choice as sealant for threaded components. Sikaflex or a hybrid alternative would appear to be the choice of many, with excellent service histories.
Click to expand...

I thought that Loctite 275 was meant for this very application? I've emailed them.

Which Sikaflex for threads and the hull joint?
 
nigelmercier said:
I thought that Loctite 275 was meant for this very application? I've emailed them.

Which Sikaflex for threads and the hull joint?
Click to expand...

Product instructions say 7 minutes to set for brass, making a high strength joint. May be appropriate for production in the factory but asking a lot for maintenance by amateurs.

I use Sikaflex 291 which I suggest gives pretty much the perfect sealing and adhesion. Remains soft enough for plenty of time but pretty solid once cured. The same stuff is excellent for the skin fitting to hull connection.
 
vyv_cox said:
I use Sikaflex 291 which I suggest gives pretty much the perfect sealing and adhesion. Remains soft enough for plenty of time but pretty solid once cured. The same stuff is excellent for the skin fitting to hull connection.
Click to expand...
+1 - I am as mean as the next Scot but when buying sets of bronze through-hulls, seacocks, bends and hose tails one £9 cartridge of Sikaflex 291 is very small change. For other less critical things though I have used PU40 which at about £3-£4 from Trago Mills (if you are in Cornwall) seems an identical product.
 
nigelmercier said:
I thought that Loctite 275 was meant for this very application? I've emailed them.

Which Sikaflex for threads and the hull joint?
Click to expand...

Loctite 275 is a high strength thread locker for large bolts, not a thread sealer. http://www.loctite.co.uk/fullproduct-list-loctite-4995.htm?redDotUID=1000000I9M9

Wonder if they meant 572 not 275? Right for the job. http://www.loctite.co.uk/loctite-40...redDotUID=productfinder&redDotUID=1000000IXOY

Many alternative thread sealing variants here http://www.loctite.co.uk/loctite-40...D%3D0000000276|pageIndex%3D0|action%3Dsearch|
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top